EP0419030B1 - Treibstoffilter mit einem Absperrorgan für Wasser - Google Patents

Treibstoffilter mit einem Absperrorgan für Wasser Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0419030B1
EP0419030B1 EP90308928A EP90308928A EP0419030B1 EP 0419030 B1 EP0419030 B1 EP 0419030B1 EP 90308928 A EP90308928 A EP 90308928A EP 90308928 A EP90308928 A EP 90308928A EP 0419030 B1 EP0419030 B1 EP 0419030B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
washer
ball
fluid
fuel
filter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90308928A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0419030A3 (en
EP0419030A2 (de
Inventor
Robert D. Anderson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Facet International Inc
Original Assignee
Facet Quantek Inc
Facet International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Facet Quantek Inc, Facet International Inc filed Critical Facet Quantek Inc
Publication of EP0419030A2 publication Critical patent/EP0419030A2/de
Publication of EP0419030A3 publication Critical patent/EP0419030A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0419030B1 publication Critical patent/EP0419030B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D27/00—Cartridge filters of the throw-away type
    • B01D27/10—Safety devices, e.g. by-passes
    • B01D27/106—Anti-leakage or anti-return valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D36/00—Filter circuits or combinations of filters with other separating devices
    • B01D36/003—Filters in combination with devices for the removal of liquids
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S210/00—Liquid purification or separation
    • Y10S210/17—Twist-on
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/794—With means for separating solid material from the fluid
    • Y10T137/8085—Hollow strainer, fluid inlet and outlet perpendicular to each other

Definitions

  • Fuel such as gasoline, diesel fuel and the like is seriously impaired if water becomes admixed with it. That is, most uses of fuel such as gasoline, diesel fuel and so forth, such as in internal combustion engines, are very seriously affected by the presence of water in the fuel.
  • First of course, water is not combustible, and, therefore, subtracts from the energy value available from a given quantity of fuel.
  • Second water freezes easily and can block fuel lines in cold environments.
  • Third, water tends to carry with it contaminants and more readily reacts with metals to form rust. For these and other reasons, it is very important that in order to preserve high fuel quality, that water be prevented from traveling in a fuel flow system.
  • a known expedient to intercept water in a fuel system is to provide a filter media of the type which permits fuel, such as gasoline, diesel fuel or the like to pass therethrough, but which resists the passage of water.
  • Filters of this type include hydrophilic materials which absorb and expand in the presence of water, but which are not olefinic, that is, which do not absorb hydrocarbons. This type of filter media is useful in blocking the flow of water since the absorption and expansion can serve to close the filter media against the passage of fluid therethrough.
  • a water absorbent filter media alone as a means of preventing the passage of water in a fuel flow system, however, is not sufficiently dependable. Instead, it is highly desirable that in a fuel flow filtering system a positive shut-off be provided so that when sufficient water is detected in a fuel flow system, such as by water absorbent fuel media swelling or otherwise reacting to resist the further fluid flow therethrough, a positive, mechanical type shut-off be obtained.
  • US-A-4,485,011 to Cole et al discloses a type of shut-off valve in conjunction with a fuel filter arrangement.
  • a ball is maintained in position when the pressure drop across a filter media is below a certain level, but is displaced when the pressure drop increases, such as occurs when the filter media absorbs water. The ball is then passed to a valve closure position to stop further fluid flow through the filter.
  • the present disclosure is directed towards an improvement in the basic concept of US-A-4,485,011.
  • this disclosure provides a structure for controlling the position of a shut-off ball within a fuel filter. Therefore, this disclosure provides a fuel filter having improved means of preventing water and particulate contaminant from passing therethrough.
  • the filter includes a cannister having a closed and an opened end.
  • a plate is secured to the open end.
  • the plate has a threaded central fluid outlet opening therein and fluid inlet openings which are spaced circumferentially about the outlet opening.
  • a rigid tubular fluid impervious member, formed of stiff material such as aluminum, plastic or the like is positioned within the cannister. The tubular member first end is affixed in sealed relationship with the plate so as to provide closed communication with the fluid outlet opening in the plate.
  • a flexible filter media is secured circumferentially around the outer tubular surface of the rigid tubular member. Fuel flows into the cannister through the fuel inlet openings. The fuel flows through the filter media and into the pervious rigid tubular member and out the top of the tubular member through the plate fluid outlet opening.
  • the filter media serves to entrap particulate matter, and, in addition, the filter media used in the filter of this disclosure has the characteristics of entrapping water to thereby resist the flow of water through the filter. Further, the filter media is such that as water is entrapped further flow of all fluids through the filter media is resisted. It can be seen that as water is trapped, the pressure drop required to force fluid through the filter media increases at a rate directly proportional to the quantity of water intercepted by the filter media.
  • a first washer having an opening therethrough is concentrically affixed to the end of the tubular member opposite the end connected with the plate fluid outlet.
  • a ball Positioned below this washer member, that is, in a direction opposite the fluid outlet, is a ball, preferably formed of a plastic material. The ball is held in close proximity or in normal engagement with the washer so as to prevent fluid flow from the interior of the cannister through the washer to the interior of the tubular member.
  • the washer is of thin deformable material, preferably aluminum.
  • An annular seat member is supported in the cannister in closed communication with the plate fluid outlet opening and in communication with the end of the tubular member at the fluid outlet opening.
  • a second washer is provided below the annular seat, that is, in the direction away from the fluid outlet opening.
  • the second washer like the first, has a large diameter opening therethrough, the diameter being less than the external diameter of the ball.
  • the second washer is also deformable and is designed to be deformed to permit the ball to pass through upon the existence of sufficient pressure differential across the ball.
  • a significant improvement of the present invention is the relationship between the second washer and the annular seat.
  • the deflection of the second washer to permit the ball passing therethrough serves to retain the ball in position substantially contiguous with the annular seat.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a filter for use in a fluid delivery system wherein fuel flows through the filter for removal of solid contaminant and water.
  • Figure 1 shows a filter in the normal fluid flow arrangement wherein hydrocarbon fuel freely passes through the filter media.
  • FIG 2 is an external view of the fuel filter as in Figure 1 but showing the status of the filter in an intermediate stage wherein the filter media has intercepted water to the extent that a significant pressure differential has developed across the filter media causing the shut-off ball to enter into the central tubular member and to position itself against a second washer member within the filter.
  • Figure 3 shows a filter of this disclosure in cross- section as in Figures 1 and 2, but showing the ball in seated engagement with the seat, the ball being retained in such position by the deformed second washer member.
  • Figure 4 is a top view shown partially cut away of the filters of Figures 1, 2 and 3, to show additional features of the filter.
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the ball and first washer members showing how the ball is held in position wherein a predetermined pressure differential will cause the ball to de form the washer members, and pass, into the interior of the rigid tubular pervious member.
  • Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the lines 6-6 of Figure 3 showing the ball in closed position against the annular seat and restrained in such position by the deflected second washer member.
  • the filter includes a cannister 10 having an upper open end 12 and a closed bottom end 14. Closing the upper end 12 is a plate 16 which has a central threaded fluid outlet opening 18. Concentrically surrounding the fluid outlet opening 18 and spaced from it are a plurality of fluid inlet openings 20.
  • a rigid tubular fluid pervious member 22 Positioned within the cannister is a rigid tubular fluid pervious member 22 which may be formed of stiff material, such as aluminum or other metal.
  • the rigid tubular member 22 is fluid pervious, that is it has a plurality of small diameter openings therein as illustrated.
  • the upper end 24 is in sealed engagement with fluid outlet opening 18 in plate 16. This sealed engagement is accomplished by means of an annular seal member 26.
  • the lower end 28 receives first and second washer members 30 and 32.
  • These washer members best seen in the enlarged fragmentary view of Figure 5, each include a large opening therethrough indicated by the numerals 30A and 32A, respectively.
  • a compression spring 34 urges washers 30 and 32 and the rigid tubular member 22 in a direction towards plate 16.
  • filter media 36 Surrounding the external circumferential surface of the tubular rigid member 22 is filter media 36.
  • This filter media may be in the form of a plate of relatively thin filter media pleated as shown in Figure 4 or it may consist of several circumferential wraps of filter media.
  • the filter media 36 is of the type which freely permits the flow of hydrocarbon fuel therethrough, but which intercepts solid particulate matter and water. The method of interception of water varies with different kinds of filter media.
  • One type of water absorbing filter media is illustrated and described in detail in
  • a second washer member 38 Positioned adjacent the tubular upper member 24 and adjacent the seal member 26 is a second washer member 38.
  • This second washer member like the first washer members 30 and 32 described, is of deformable material, such as relatively thin aluminum or other material having similar characteristics.
  • the second washer member 38 has an opening 38A which is of a selected internal diameter.
  • a ball or sphere 40 Positioned in the filter exteriorly of the tubular rigid member 22 and below the first and second washer members 30 and 32 is a ball or sphere 40.
  • the ball 40 is preferably made of a plastic material.
  • the external diameter of ball 40 is greater than the normal internal diameter of openings 30A and 32A in washers 30 and 32 and of opening 38A and washer 38.
  • the preselected pressure differential across the filter which will cause ball 40 to deflect washers 30 and 32 can be predetermined in several ways.
  • the thicknesses of the washers, the diameter of the openings 30A and 32A, the diameter of ball 40 and the rigidity of the materials of which the washers are made affect the required differential pressure necessary to force the ball through the washers.
  • the required fluid pressure can be more finally selected by predeforming washers 30 and 32. This is accomplished during assembly as shown in Figure 5 by physically forcing the ball 40 partially through washer 30 and 32.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
  • Gasification And Melting Of Waste (AREA)
  • Filtering Materials (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Claims (6)

  1. Treibstoffilter der Mittel zur Verhinderung des Durchtritts von Wasser und Partikelverunreinigungen aufweist, umfassend:
    eine Büchse (10), die ein geschlossenes Ende (14) und ein offenes Ende (12) hat,
    eine Platte (16), die mit dem offenen Büchsenende verbunden ist und eine zentrale Flüssigkeitsauslaßöffnung (18) aufweist,
    mindestens eine von der Flüssigkeitsauslaßöffnung mit Abstand angeordnete Flüssigkeitseinlaßöffnung (20), ein starres, rohrförmiges flüssigkeitsdurchlässiges Teil (22) innerhalb der Büchse, das gegenüberliegende Enden aufweist, von denen ein erstes Ende in abgedichteter Verbindung um die Flüssigkeitsauslaßöffnung (18) der Platte steht,
    ein, die äußere Rohroberfläche des rohrförmigen Teiles (22) umgebendes, flexibles Filtermedium (36), durch welches Treibstoff frei hindurchtritt, aber welches den Durchtritt von Partikelmaterial und Wasser verhindert,
    eine erste, eine durch sie hindurchgehende Öffnung (30A) (32A) aufweisende Scheibe (30) (32), die konzentrisch an dem zweiten Ende des rohrförmigen Teiles (22) befestigt ist und die aus dünnem, verformbarem Material besteht,
    eine Kugel (40) in der Büchse und normalerweise, wenn Treibstoff durch den Filter fließt in Anlage an der ersten Scheibe, wobei die Kugel einen Durchmesser größer als der Innendurchmesser der ersten Scheibe aufweist und hierdurch dazu dient, das untere Ende des rohrförmigen Teiles (22) abzusperren, eine ringförmige Dichtung (26), die geschlossene Verbindung zwischen der Flüssigkeitsauslaßöffnung (18) der Platte und dem Inneren des rohrförmigen Teiles an dessen ersten Ende hat, wobei die ringförmige Dichtung für den Flüssigkeitsfluß gesperrt ist, wenn die Kugel an ihr anliegt,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet,
    daß der Filter weiterhin umfaßt:
    eine zweite Scheibe (38) die konzentrisch benachbart zu und in Abstand von der ringförmigen Dichtung (26) abgestützt ist, wobei die zweite Scheibe aus dünnem, verformbarem Material besteht und eine durch sie hindurchgehende Öffnung (38A) von einem Durchmesser normalerweise geringfügig kleiner als der Durchmesser der Kugel (40), hat, wobei die erste Scheibe verformbar ist, um die Kugel durch sie hindurchtreten zu lassen, wenn sich ein vorbestimmter Druckabfall über das Filtermedium (36) entwickelt, um hierdurch an der ringförmigen Dichtung 26) anzuliegen, um weiteren Flüssigkeitsfluß durch den Filter zu blockieren, wobei die zweite Scheibe dazu dient danach die Kugel in Anlage an der Dichtung auch beim Fehlen von Flüssigkeitsdruck zu halten.
  2. Treibstoffilter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste Scheibe (30) (32) in eine Form vorgeformt ist, die es der Kugel (40) ermöglicht bei einen auf sie einwirkenden, vorbestimmten Differential-Flüssigkeitsdruck durch sie hindurchzutreten.
  3. Treibstoffilter nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste Scheibe (30) (32) aus dünnem Metall geformt ist.
  4. Treibstoffilter nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste Scheibe (30) (32) aus Aluminium geformt ist.
  5. Treibstoffilter nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste Scheibe (30) (32) aus einer Vielzahl von dünnen, verformbaren Scheiben gebildet ist.
  6. Treibstoffilter nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das flexible Filtermaterial (36) zumindest teilweise aus Material gebildet ist, welches im wesentlichen für den Durchlaß von Flüssigkeit undurchlässig wird, wenn es mit Wasser benetzt wird.
EP90308928A 1989-08-14 1990-08-14 Treibstoffilter mit einem Absperrorgan für Wasser Expired - Lifetime EP0419030B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US393222 1989-08-14
US07/393,222 US4959141A (en) 1989-08-14 1989-08-14 Fuel filter with positive water shutoff

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0419030A2 EP0419030A2 (de) 1991-03-27
EP0419030A3 EP0419030A3 (en) 1992-09-23
EP0419030B1 true EP0419030B1 (de) 1994-11-09

Family

ID=23553803

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90308928A Expired - Lifetime EP0419030B1 (de) 1989-08-14 1990-08-14 Treibstoffilter mit einem Absperrorgan für Wasser

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US4959141A (de)
EP (1) EP0419030B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH0377613A (de)
AT (1) ATE113857T1 (de)
AU (1) AU620730B2 (de)
CA (1) CA1330424C (de)
DE (1) DE69014048T2 (de)
ES (1) ES2067681T3 (de)

Families Citing this family (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5122264A (en) * 1991-01-11 1992-06-16 Facet Quantek, Inc. Liquid fuel dispensing system including a filtration vessel within a sump
US5193709A (en) * 1992-01-15 1993-03-16 Brassell Gilbert W Filter for hazardous waste containers
US5248414A (en) * 1992-04-20 1993-09-28 Facet International, Inc. Filter having improved means of positive shutoff incorporating sleeve valve seat
US5344558A (en) * 1993-02-16 1994-09-06 Amway Corporation Water filter cartridge
US5536395A (en) * 1993-03-22 1996-07-16 Amway Corporation Home water purification system with automatic disconnecting of radiant energy source
US5423984A (en) * 1993-04-13 1995-06-13 Facet International, Inc. Fluid filter
US5421360A (en) * 1993-05-07 1995-06-06 Groth Corporation Float assisted automatic driptrap
US6053334A (en) * 1993-09-15 2000-04-25 Parker Hannifin Customer Support Inc. Fuel filter with valve device
US5390701A (en) * 1994-04-06 1995-02-21 Lessley; Michael R. Filter valve assembly
US5533478A (en) * 1994-04-13 1996-07-09 Siemens Automotive L.P. Discrete filter and pressure regulator mounting for a fuel rail
DE4430471A1 (de) * 1994-08-27 1996-02-29 Bosch Gmbh Robert Flüssigkeitsfilter mit eingebautem Druckregler
US5660207A (en) * 1994-12-29 1997-08-26 Tylan General, Inc. Flow controller, parts of flow controller, and related method
US5698093A (en) * 1996-05-31 1997-12-16 Eagle Filter Corporation Gasoline filter with automatic shut off
JPH1061886A (ja) * 1996-08-13 1998-03-06 Tlv Co Ltd 液体圧送装置
US5855780A (en) * 1996-11-04 1999-01-05 Advanced Performance Technology, Inc. Fuel filter element with flow actuator
US6120683A (en) * 1997-08-18 2000-09-19 Central Illinois Manufacturing Company Filter with shut-off valve
DE69909520T2 (de) * 1998-11-06 2004-04-15 Stanadyne Corp., Windsor Treibstofffilter mit kondensatableiter und wasserabscheider
US6117311A (en) * 1999-01-08 2000-09-12 Champion Laboratores, Inc. Positive shut off fuel pump dispensing filter
US6328883B1 (en) 2000-05-31 2001-12-11 Parker-Hannifin Corporation Fuel filter assembly with priming pump
DE10231095B4 (de) * 2002-07-10 2006-01-05 Brita Gmbh Filterkartusche
US8293103B2 (en) 2005-12-08 2012-10-23 Donaldson Company, Inc. Spin-on filter assembly and methods
JP2013148055A (ja) * 2012-01-23 2013-08-01 Denso Corp 濾過器
US9480953B2 (en) 2012-10-17 2016-11-01 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Composite filter media for fuel streams
US9631589B2 (en) 2012-10-17 2017-04-25 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Fuel filter monitor for fuel streams
DE112014003805T5 (de) * 2013-08-19 2016-06-09 Cummins Filtration Ip, Inc. Kein Filter, kein Betrieb-Fluidfilter mit Integration eines Niederdruck-Fluidsystems
DE102014013852A1 (de) * 2014-09-24 2016-03-24 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Filterelement, Filter und Filtersystem mit Rücklaufbypass

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1955903A (en) * 1932-12-17 1934-04-24 Preston Davie Oil purifying apparatus
US3339734A (en) * 1966-11-25 1967-09-05 Bendix Corp Frangible valve member for fuse filter
US3357560A (en) * 1966-12-08 1967-12-12 Bendix Corp Fuse filter with pressure responsive closure means
US3628662A (en) * 1970-03-26 1971-12-21 Marvel Eng Co Filter antidrain valve assembly
US3766940A (en) * 1971-08-25 1973-10-23 Exxon Production Research Co Pressure latching check valve
DE3017003C2 (de) * 1980-05-02 1985-05-15 Trasko-Bee Corp., Tokyo Ölfilter für Verbrennungsmotoren
US4364825A (en) * 1981-02-03 1982-12-21 Wix Corporation Liquid filter
US4485011A (en) * 1981-12-30 1984-11-27 Facet Enterprises, Inc. Fuel contamination monitor with a shut off valve
US4787949A (en) * 1986-06-30 1988-11-29 Facet Automotive Filter Co. Method of manufacturing highly water absorbent pleated filter laminate

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4959141A (en) 1990-09-25
DE69014048D1 (de) 1994-12-15
EP0419030A3 (en) 1992-09-23
JPH0478323B2 (de) 1992-12-10
AU6020490A (en) 1991-02-14
ATE113857T1 (de) 1994-11-15
ES2067681T3 (es) 1995-04-01
EP0419030A2 (de) 1991-03-27
CA1330424C (en) 1994-06-28
JPH0377613A (ja) 1991-04-03
AU620730B2 (en) 1992-02-20
DE69014048T2 (de) 1995-05-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0419030B1 (de) Treibstoffilter mit einem Absperrorgan für Wasser
US5122264A (en) Liquid fuel dispensing system including a filtration vessel within a sump
JP2872403B2 (ja) 液体フィルター用逃がし弁
US5623958A (en) Low pressure relief valve
US3855128A (en) Fluid filter bypass valve
US4485011A (en) Fuel contamination monitor with a shut off valve
US3368680A (en) Filter with element subassembly
US20070034580A1 (en) Fluid filter arrangement including valve arrangement and methods
CA1108069A (en) Fuel contamination monitor having a shut-off valve
US5429663A (en) Removal in aircraft of components from fluid mixtures
US5004004A (en) Automatic drain valve
US6117311A (en) Positive shut off fuel pump dispensing filter
US5248414A (en) Filter having improved means of positive shutoff incorporating sleeve valve seat
US3528546A (en) Water sensitive flow monitor
US4751940A (en) Check valve
US3908656A (en) Activating means for vented chambers
US5014735A (en) Automatic drain valve
US5112478A (en) Fuel filter for preventing water and particulate contamination
CA1100847A (en) Damper valve
US6120683A (en) Filter with shut-off valve
GB2112295A (en) A fuel filter with a shut off valve
DE69407447T2 (de) Deckel für Druckbehälter
US3710822A (en) Fluid-flow fuse
EP0154464A2 (de) Eine durch einen Thermostat gesteuerte Niederpressanlage für eine Filterpackung
US4381995A (en) In-line filter and flow control valve

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19930302

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19930702

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19941109

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19941109

Ref country code: DK

Effective date: 19941109

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19941109

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19941109

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19941109

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 113857

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19941115

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69014048

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19941215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PUE

Owner name: FACET INTERNATIONAL, INC.

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: FACET INTERNATIONAL, INC.

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19950209

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2067681

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19950831

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19990810

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19990811

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19990816

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 19990830

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19990830

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000814

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000815

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010301

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20000814

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010430

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20010301

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20010911

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050814